NL Notes: Rollins' hit streak reaches 37 games

Published 10:00 pm, Monday, April 3, 2006

PHILADELPHIA -- Jimmy Rollins stretched his hitting streak to 37 games Monday with a double in the eighth inning in his final at-bat of Philadelphia's season-opening 13-5 loss to St. Louis.

Rollins ended the 2005 season with a 36-game hitting streak, the ninth-longest over one season in big league history, and the longest in the majors since 1987, when Paul Molitor hit safely in 39 consecutive games.

"I've been waiting five or six months, so I didn't mind waiting," Rollins said. "It was good to get the first game out of the way."

SHORT HOPS: Nationals reluctant left fielder Alfonso Soriano handled four fly balls without incident in a 3-2 loss to the Mets. ... The Marlins claimed right-handed pitcher Franklyn German off waivers from the Tigers and designated right-handed pitcher Nate Bump for assignment. The 26-year-old German went 4-0 with one save and a 3.66 ERA in 58 games with the Tigers last season. German has an 8-4 career mark with a 4.75 ERA in 126 relief appearances. ... The Padres claimed catcher Rob Bowen off waivers from the Tigers ... The Marlins extended the contract of general manager Larry Beinfest and three other executives through the 2010 season. Others getting extensions were vice president of player development and scouting and assistant general manager Jim Fleming, vice president and assistant general manager Michael Hill and vice president of player personnel Dan Jennings. ... The Pirates and general manager Dave Littlefield agreed to a one-year contract extension through 2008.